Lafrance optimistic about 'hospitality campus' with new Westport hotel

WESTPORT — Weddings weren't held and bus tours were canceled this year because of the pandemic, but Richard L. Lafrance is optimistic about the future of Lafrance Hospitality as his latest hotel is on the verge of opening.

Once the country gets through the pandemic, he said Lafrance Hospitality will be in a position to serve the needs of all types of travelers with its banquet facility White's of Westport; the Hampton Inn, which has now been around for 31 years; and the new TownePlace Suites Hotel, a 90-room, extended stay facility.

The Hampton Inn, part of the Hilton brand, and the Marriott's TownePlace Suites Hotel are on separate lots on Old Bedford Road.

Lafrance, president and chief executive officer of Lafrance Hospitality, said the new hotel will open before the end of October.

Construction costs on the new hotel were between $12 million and $12.5 million, he said.

"It came out very nice," he said, although there have been some problems getting supplies and they are waiting for the final items to arrive.

Most of the staff of 35 employees have been hired, he said.

The two hotels and the dining facility on Route 6 are all in close proximity to one another or what he calls "a hospitality campus."

When TownePlace opens, Lafrance Hospitality will be in a position to provide all the options for people whether they are just passing through the region and need a place to stay for a night or two or staying in the region for an extended stay, he said.

"It will all be in one area once we get through it (the pandemic)," Lafrance said.

They are also adding an outdoor wedding area. And some of the corporate offices will be moving into space at the TownPlace Suites.

A continental breakfast is provided to patrons at the Hampton Inn, while guests at the TownPlace Suites can dine at White's or enjoy dining at one of the fine local restaurants in the area, he said.

Lafrance Hospitality has a TownePlace Suites in Wareham and several other hotels with Marriott.

They also operate the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, an 82-room hotel on New Bedford’s waterfront, and a Holiday Inn Express, 117-room hotel on West Main Road in Middletown, Rhode Island, as well as hotels in Maine, New Hampshire and Florida.